PAM'S PEN

Pam's Pen - Labrador West residents are probably amongst the most generous people around.

Throughout the year, you can find citizens volunteering for various organizations, and those who don't have time to give, can usually be found dolling out money to help make their communities a better place.

However, when it comes to supporting our troops and remembering the contributions of our veterans, the majority of us are probably a little lacking.

We are all, no doubt, aware we are in the middle of a war. Canadian troops have taken up the fight in various areas in Afghanistan and we have watched the death toll rise over the last year with more than a little terror.

For many of us though, the conflict is a million miles away from our everyday lives. Few of us are personally impacted by the fight, and even though our troops have our empathy, they may not have our whole-hearted support.

This week, however, we have the opportunity to make a real difference.

Eddie Coffey, Rhonda Stamp, and Harold O'Connell are coming to Lab. West from Nov. 5-10 and in addition to providing an evening of entertainment at the local Arts and Culture Centre and Royal Canadian Legion, they are giving residents the chance to make a donation to the Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warriors Fund.

The musical group has been working with the Wounded Warriors organization since 2006, donating $5 from each concert ticket it sells, as well as 25 per cent of CD and T-shirt sales.

In return, the Wounded Warriors fund helps military personnel, who are recovering in hospitals from injuries sustained in conflict, by providing them with personal care items like blankets, clothes, and personal hygiene products.

According to Harold O'Connell, though, the package provided by the Wounded Warriors gives more than just products - it gives our troops a feeling of connection to their fellow countrymen and women.

Truer words have probably never been spoken. In a time of such utter despair and upheaval, small gifts usually mean the most and though none of us can truly understand what it means to be wounded in combat, any measure of relief we can bring to our steadfast soldiers has to make some impact.

The timing of the performances couldn't come at a better time, considering we are quickly approaching Remembrance Day. November 11 will be upon us before we know it, and attending the event is a perfect way to remember those who risked and gave their lives, while honouring soldiers currently fighting on behalf of our great country.

Whether you can attend the concert or not though, take time this Remembrance Day to truly appreciate our soldiers. Talk to your children about the sacrifices our troops make, take time out of your hectic schedule to volunteer at one the local Legions or just buy a poppy.

There are hundreds of little things we can do - if we each pick one, think of the difference it can make.

Labrador West is one of the most generous towns around. Let's prove it this Remembrance Day by giving a boost to the people who need it most.